Thomas Anderson Freas

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Anderson Freas. Thom was born on October 17, 1957, and passed peacefully on May 14, 2026 after a brief illness. Thom was born in Stockbridge, MA. He was the son of the late R. Bruce and Audrey Freas. He was a graduate of Brookfield High School (CT).  

Thom was the founder and Artistic Director of Fanfare Consort (early music ensemble), dedicated to research, publication, performance, and recording of literature composed prior to the 19th century. Audiences enjoyed hearing modern-day premieres of music performed on historically accurate instruments. He developed and ran his own recording and music production company as well  (Champignon International), recording many professional and non-professional ensembles. 

Thom also performed as soloist with many prominent period instrument ensembles throughout the United States and Europe. He participated in numerous festivals where he performed Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 on clarino (valveless Baroque trumpet), Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto on ‘keyed’ (valveless) trumpet, and Telemann’s Suite in D Major for Trumpet and Strings, as well as Bach’s Cantata No. 51, Jauchzet,gott in allen Landen.  

Thom was the first American to record Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 on valveless baroque trumpet (recording with Anthony Newman on Sony Classical label). His performance of Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets (Newport Classics) was another favorite. He can be heard on many recordings on the Newport Classics, Champignon International, Helicon Records, Classic Masters, Koch, Telarc, Music Masters, and Vox labels. 

Thom studied with Armando Ghitalla, Principal Trumpet Boston Symphony Orchestra; William Vacchiano, Principal Trumpet New York Philharmonic; and Roger Voisin, Principal Trumpet Boston Symphony Orchestra. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from State University of New York at Purchase and a Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music. 

Thom was on the faculties of and presented master classes at several colleges, conservatories and universities. His students consistently won positions to participate in All-State, All-New England and All-Eastern festivals, as well as national summer music camps/festivals. Many were awarded scholarships to continue their education at the most prestigious music conservatories, colleges and universities. Thom also served as an adjudicator for the Baroque trumpet division of the National Trumpet Competition. 

When Thom was not performing, he enjoyed his passion of restoring old English and Italian sports cars. He had the opportunity to work on the Bob Sharp Racing Team that developed the Datsun Z-car that Paul Newman drove at Lyme Rock. Thom loved going to car shows, researching, talking cars, and mentoring young mechanics.

He is survived by his loving fiance and partner Michelle Hiscavich of New Milford, CT and brother Royal B. Freas III of Pearland, TX. 

Cremation and interment will be private. As a tribute to Thom, we encourage you to honor his legacy by supporting the arts and encouraging young people to pursue their passion. Thom will be greatly missed and forever remembered.